On Saturday, April 26, the fields of a sprawling indoor soccer facility in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood buzzed with energy as more than 1,400 grade school students from 60 Chicago Public Schools came together for a day of competition, learning, and laughter. The occasion? A high-spirited tournament organized by the Chicago Fire FC’s P.L.A.Y.S. Program—Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer.

P.L.A.Y.S., a flagship initiative of the Chicago Fire Foundation, uses soccer as a powerful tool to improve academic performance and build critical social-emotional skills in 3rd through 5th grade students. Saturday’s event was a vivid example of that mission in action—young athletes playing hard, encouraging one another, and practicing teamwork and respect with every match.

Magellan is proud to support Chicago Fire FC and the work of its Foundation, which brings programs like P.L.A.Y.S. to life. As a sleeve patch sponsor of the Fire and a committed partner in their community outreach, we are honored to play a part—however small—in moments like these, when the power of sport helps shape the future of our city’s youth.

Thank you to Jessica Yavitz, Christian Smith, and the incredible team at the Chicago Fire Foundation for creating such a joyful, inspiring experience. These kids were having the time of their lives—and it showed in every smile.

‍